Mesa Verde Community, Inc. Forum Wrap

AN INFORMATIVE EVENING
There was value for most of the 150 or so people who sat in the audience at the Costa Mesa City Council Candidate Forum hosted by Mesa Verde Community, Inc. for a little over two hours last night.  Even those of us who follow politics closely learned a few new things, and had some old opinions reinforced.

MONEY WELL SPENT ON RAMOS?
Seven of the eight candidates participated.  Lee Ramos apparently chose to blow this forum off.  He wasn't missed, but I suspect those folks who have made him the second-highest campaign contribution collector might have been wondering about how they spent their money.

A NICE TOUCH...
The formal part of the evening was preceded by a "meet and greet" period, which included background music by Michael Donohoe - a nice touch.

A RESPECTFUL CROWD
The crowd of around 150 people was, for the most part, attentive and respectful.  I recognized about a third of that number.  The rest were new faces.  Most sat quietly in their seats, listening intently, although there were some Righeimer supporters lurking in the back of the room. 

WYRICK OFF HIS GAME
Moderator Darnell Wyrick, President of Mesa Verde Community, Inc., was off his game last night.  Although the event was scripted, he managed to botch things right from the start.  He forgot to let the candidates present themselves and didn't offer them a chance for a closing presentation.  Plus, in the midst of the event he continually got confused about which candidate was to speak next.  And, throughout the evening he referred to the candidates as "Mr." or "Mrs." - except for Jim Righeimer, to whom he referred as "Mayor Righeimer" every single time.

THE FORMAT

The format was to ask each of the candidates the same question, rotating the chance to answer first with each new question.  The candidates got two minutes each to answer the first three questions, one minute each for the next three, then thirty seconds each for a few more.  The pace was brisk.

A NICE WOMAN, BUT...
Let me say here that I introduced myself to candidate Rita Louise Simpson and also met her husband before the program began.  She seems like a very nice woman, but she is absolutely clueless on almost every important city issue!  She supports the Charter and wants something done about the Unfunded Pension Liability, but doesn't understand why in either case.  When she did talk about those issues she apparently was reading from a script - or so it seemed - straight from Tea Party Tom Pollitt's playbook.  It was sad to watch.

THE CHARTER
Wyrick's first question asked the candidates their opinion of The Charter.  Chris Bunyan, Katrina Foley and Jay Humphrey do not support the Charter.  Tony Capitelli, Simpson and Righeimer supported it and Al Melone told us that, while he supports the Charter, he's not enthusiastic about it and thinks it's getting too much attention.

DEVELOPMENT
The next question asked about their views on Development.  Capitelli told us it's the council's responsibility to add value to the community, but expressed concern about parking and open space.  Foley was for balanced growth and cited her time on the Planning Commission and City Council when the negative impacts of developments were considered.  She stressed quality of life issues.

JAY AND AL
Humphrey spoke of the General Plan update in which he participated when last on the council, citing the need for development plans to be consistent with the approved General Plan.  he referred to unbridled growth to cancer.  Melone went off on a tangent about taxes and the proliferation of fast food restaurants.

MAYOR BLAMES OCC AND 55 FREEWAY
Then it was Righeimer's turn and he deflected any criticism of his regime's development frenzy by blaming Orange Coast College for growth and the 55 Freeway for traffic.  He spoke of the development plans in the works for OCC and said "nobody says a word about that!"  Simpson said, "I've seen some of the developments.  The traffic is doing fine."  As I said, she's clueless.

BUNYAN ON HIS GAME
Bunyan gave the best response, citing the transient nature of the OCC students, the recently approved apartment complex at 125 Baker Street and mentioned the very pro-development City Council.

UNFUNDED PENSION LIABILITY
They were then asked how to manage the unfunded pension liability.  Foley cited the recent agreement in which the Miscellaneous Employees agreed to a higher contribution, mentioned that this is not just a local problem, but a state and federal issue, too.  She encouraged a more collaborative approach with the employees - change the hostile work atmosphere.  She said the current council just talks about it but does nothing to fix the problem.  Humphrey suggested a one-time pay out option for our pensions.

AL AND THE MAYOR
Melone said he doesn't believe in paying down the liability, stating that as long as the City remained financially solvent the pensions will just keep on being paid.   Righeimer went on one of his "we love our police and our fire" rants, accused Foley of quitting the council, said "people don't understand the math."  He, condescendingly, made a reference to "the adults showing up to negotiate for the employees" and feigned anger about the issue.  It was way, way too contrived.

MORE VIEWS
Simpson said the pension liability is unbelievable.  Duh!  Bunyan said the days of sweet pension deals are over, then criticized CalPERS for its role in this mess.

HE WAS RIGHT...
Then Capitelli criticized the participants for their hostility - a comment obviously directed at Righeimer, and said, "It's time to stop posturing and work toward solutions."  Yep.

QUALIFICATIONS?
Then came the one-minute-response questions.  The first one asked the candidates what made them qualified for a council seat.  Humphrey cited his previous council experience, his 37-year residence in the City and his long, successful business career.  Melone cited his CPA and MBA and his ability to analyze issues.

REST ON HIS RECORD - GREAT!

Righeimer said, "I'll rest on my record.", then blasted Foley for being part of a council that "blew through $35 million in reserves" - neglecting to mention that she helped build those reserves and they were available when they were needed during the severe economic downturn.  He patted himself on the back for being responsible for "$40 million in roads and alleys" - which he was not.  He said, "Sometimes when you make an omelet you have to break a few eggs.", as though that was relevant to something.  Then he said "Sometimes you have to be an adult."  He sometimes speaks in tongues - this was one of those times.  Personally, I was very happy to hear him say he would rest on his record.  That record is one of dictatorial arrogance, bullying, rule-breaking and failure to plan before acting, which has resulted in millions of dollars in unnecessary legal fees.

OTHERS
Simpson cited her experience as a teacher and her time at the Auto Club.  Capitelli cited his law degree, his years working as a federal government employee and his experience and interest in housing issues.  He stressed his collaborative approach.  Foley cited her proven record of getting things done, and used as examples her time on the council when those street improvements actually began; the fact that she helped fight off the sale of the OC Fairgrounds and improve the traffic situation on Broadway.  She cited her successful business in Newport Beach and said, as a lawyer, she knew how to collaborate.

GOALS
The next question asked, "If elected, what are their first three goals".  Melone said a moritorium on development and controlling the coyote problem.  Righeimer said just continue the current direction.  Simpson echoed him, then said she thought we should do something about the Homeless because "they are dangerous."  As I said....

BUNYAN AND CAPITELLI
Bunyan fired off five ideas: 1) Put Public Comments back at the beginning of Council meetings; 2)more affordable, transitional housing; 3) Stop high density development; 4) More government transparency and 5) Resolve the illegal trail in Fairview Park.  Capitelli also cited the need for affordable, transitional housing, the return of the Illumination Foundation, the need for more mental health workers and the need to NOT kick out the motels, which provide housing.

FOLEY AND HUMPHREY
Foley said she wanted to stop the rising costs of legal fees, which she said are now at $175,000 per month!  She also cited the need to bring public safety staffing back up to a proper level, to NOT close Fire Station #6 and a balanced General Plan.  Humphrey agreed about the Public Comments and the staffing of public safety positions

WESTSIDE OVERLAYS
They were then asked about changing the Westside Overlays.  Righeimer said the question is incorrect, that the projects don't generate more traffic, the 55 Freeway does.  Simpson had no answer.  Bunyan disagreed with Righeimer, citing the traffic snarl at 17th Street and Newport Boulevard and suggested more attention be paid to the General Plan Circulation Element.

ANOTHER LOOK
Capitelli said it's time to take a second look at the Overlays.  Foley recalled the original approvals and intent and said the implementation is off the mark.  Humphrey said the plans have been corrupted, increasing density.  Melone agreed with him.

ZONING CHANGES
The next question asked about the changes in commercial zoning.  Simpson had no answer, then complained about the "Alzheimer homes".... As I said...  Bunyan said a side effect of the changes are a loss of harmonious areas.  He said we should keep existing businesses.  Capitelli said he's in favor of small businesses..

SOLID ANSWERS
Foley said she favors a balanced approach, citing the need to retain the "small town feel".    Humphrey agreed, and said we are driving businesses out of the city.  He also cited the increase in high density developments.  Melone made some remark about his mechanic having a better breeze at his Westside shop than Melone has in Mesa Verde.

MAYOR BLAMES FOLEY
Righeimer blamed Foley for the density!

BANNING RANCH
Then began the questions with 30 second responses.  The first was about Banning Ranch.  Bunyan said "Save Banning Ranch."  Capitelli said we can't do much since it's in Newport Beach.  Foley agreed, and stated that we will get 100% of the traffic from the project.

DISASTER AND PLACING BLAME
Melone described it as a "impending disaster".  Righeimer blamed it on previous councils and said the Coastal Commission may approve a smaller development.  Simpson said it's similar to Fairview Park.. As I said...

FAIRVIEW PARK
They were then asked about Fairview Park.  Capitelli said the park should be protected.  Foley agreed 100% and that the current Master Plan should be followed.  Humphrey said keep it as natural as possible and referred to the current activities of the US Fish and Wildlife in the park.

INDIANS...
Melone agreed with the previous. Righeimer said continue the current Master Plan.  Simpson said she was glad "the Indians came to talk with us."  As I said...  Bunyan said protect Fairview Park - "save it, don't pave it".

BUDGET PRIORITIES
Next came a question about Budget priorities.  Foley said reduce the legal fees.  Humphrey, inexplicably, seemed to have a major brain burp and came up with a mumbled statement about keeping the city fiscally sound.  Melone said paving the streets was good, but spending money to re-landscape medians is unnecessary, and that we should be re-building our reserves.

BUNYAN COMMENT
Righeimer went into a song and dance about having a $135 million budget and said we "don't budget to build reserves, but sometimes we have a surplus."  Simpson muttered something about the Charter and Unfunded Pensions.  Bunyan said the Charter can't do much but "Jim would burn down the city to get it passed".  Capitelli suggested Supportive Housing be at the top of the list.

SOBER LIVING HOMES
Next up were questions from the floor.  This is where things got more than a little muddled.  Wyrick attempted to blend a few questions into one, or one and a half.  Anyhow, it began with the Sober Living homes and what we can and should be doing about them.  Humphrey, first at bat on this one, said it's a complicated issue and that we should be seeing what other cities are doing.

AND MORE
Melone hadn't studied it.  Righeimer said there are 200 such home in the city, mentioned his new Task Force - which has shown no results yet, by the way.  Humphrey wondered why there was no ballot measure on this one.  Simpson made a peculiar comment about tobacco addiction.  Bunyan referred to the amicus brief Costa Mesa filed to assist Newport Beach with its law suit.  Foley said we should be working with regulators to block whole neighborhoods.

CMPD STRENGTH
Then came question asking when we would be at full strength in the CMPD.  Melone said they are "working day and night" to hire new people.  Righeimer said Chief Gazsi is doing a great job, that we'll add 20 more people before the end of the year and that "We'll be fine."  Really?   Well, I guess that's all we need to know!  Yes sir, staffing is off 30%, our cops are working horrendous overtime hours and "We'll be fine."  Thanks, Mr. Mayor.

RIGHEIMER INTERRUPTS - IS SHOUTED DOWN
I missed Simpson's and Bunyan's responses.  When Capitelli tried to answer by stating that he's been told we have only 5 cops on patrol at a time Righiemer interrupted him and tried to speak over him.  The audience shouted him down!  Foley said it's important to increase the staffing levels because crime is on the increase.  Give the chief the freedom to hire.  Humphrey cited the reasons for the loss of officers - the hostile workplace and the hiring freeze.

LIBRARY
Next came a question about a library.  Righeimer said we have a good plan to convert "this building" into a library and turn the existing library building into a meeting room.  It would only cost $4-6 million.  Simpson said it sounds like a good idea, then said "The homeless know where they are."  As I said...

MESA VERDE
Bunyan cited the Mesa Verde Library and said it needs some TLC.  Capitelli said he likes the mayor's plan.  Foley said support the Friends of the Library and agreed about the Mesa Verde Library.

RAID ON FUNDS
Humphrey said he strongly supported funding a library, then referred to the recent "raid" of the library funds in the budget to re-plant brand new medians in Mesa Verde.  Melone said it's more important to re-build the "rainy day fund".

PARK FEES FOR APARTMENTS?
Next was a question about why apartment developers exempt from paying park fees.  Actually, it took awhile for that question to get fleshed out.  Simpson had no answer.  Bunyan said, "Ask Jim that one."  Capitelli had no answer.  Foley said the staff is working on a plan to charge park fees for apartment developments.  Humphrey concurred and expanded on that idea.

SHARING TIME... NOPE
Melone tried to give Righeimer his time.  He was rebuffed.  Righeimer quoted the Quimby Act, which maybe two people in the audience understood.

60TH ANNIVERSARY SCANDAL
Then came the question about the 60th Anniversary expenditures.  Bunyan said people have not come forth with reasons for the overspending.  Wondered who was watching.  Capitelli said it clearly was mismanaged.  Foley cited the need for proper checks and balances.  Humphrey said it was mismanaged across the board and cited the no-bid contracts.  Melone said it just confirmed a feeling he had that the City was not well-managed.  Righeimer dodged the personnel issues and wondered who was supposed to sign off on the charges.  Simpson said it was a one-time deal.... Oh, well...

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
When asked about how to bring balance to economic development, Capitelli said provide more support to small businesses.  Foley said focus on tourism, including raising the TOT.  Humphrey said stop driving businesses away from Costa Mesa.  Melone liked tourism, then complained that businesses bring traffic!  Good grief!  He said he was grateful for South Coast Plaza.

GREAT SHAPE!
Righeimer did a riff on how our city brings in more Sales Tax dollars than any other city of similar size.  He said, "The City is in great financial shape!"  Simpson said she liked South Coast Plaza because you can park there.  As I said...  Bunyan said play to our strengths - being the City of the Arts and the apparel industry.

UNION OR DEVELOPER FUNDS?
They were then asked about campaign funding, and if they received any outside finances from unions or developers and how much.  Foley said she received about $18,000, of which $7,500 came from the Newport Beach Police Association and $2,500 from another police agency - the Sheriff's, I believe.  The remainder comes from Costa Mesa residents.

RIGHEIMER SNAPS BACK
Humphrey said 100% from Costa Mesa residents.  Melone said he's taking no contributions.   Righeimer then went on a rant about Foley's admission about the contributions, but didn't answer the question.  Simpson said she's not taking any.  Righeimer, in response to jeering from the crowd, said, "It's a public record - look it up!"

CHRIS AND TONY
 Bunyan said "Zero and Zero", but that the bulk of Jim's are coming from outside.  Capitelli said "Zero and Zero", and that he'd raised $19,000 from family and friends.  Foley talked about the need to raise funds for campaigning.

TOLL LANES
Then there was a confusing question that turned out to be about the ballot measure Righeimer proposed for November giving the voters a chance to sign in on the proposed toll lanes on the I-405 freeway.  Foley said she opposes the "Lexus Lanes", but that it didn't need to be on the ballot.  Humphrey opposes the toll lanes, but also wondered why it needed to be on the ballot.  Melone said it's like Banning Ranch - we have no control over it.

DIDN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION
Righeimer riffed about the toll roads costing $1.3 billion and that he wanted to put the issue on the ballot so the voters could tell the governor how we felt.  Simpson said we paid for the road and that they need to be maintained... clueless.  Bunyan didn't favor the toll roads and thought the ballot measure was only symbolic.  Capitelli said we all want to stop the toll road.

VOTING DISTRICTS?
Finally came a question about dividing the city into voting districts.  Righeimer said the City is too small for districts and that he's not real positive about it.  Humphrey said the residents could request the change whether a Charter or General Law City, and said the city is not big enough.

MIXED VIEWS
Foley used the School Board as an example of why it's not necessary.  Melone said we should just elect the best people, regardless where they live.  Capitelli said districts might take some dollars out of campaigning.  Bunyan said they would make campaigning easier.

WATCH IT YOURSELVES LATER
Whew!  I'm sure you're even more tired of reading this tome than I am of writing it!  The folks from CMTV were filming the event and it will enter the playlist rotation next Tuesday at noon.  Check the city web site for the actual times.  It will also be available on streaming video in a couple days.

A GOOD FIRST EVENT
So, my take on the meeting... it was worthwhile, but needed a tighter rein.  I'm grateful to the good folks at Mesa Verde Community, Inc., for holding the event.  I'm sorry they didn't do a better job of publicizing it - there were a lot of empty seats.

OUTCOME PREDICTABLE
I was not surprised at how it went.  Rita Simpson is clueless about most issues.  Al Melone knows more than he did two years ago, but not much.

TWO BRIGHT GUYS
Chris Bunyan is back and, quite honestly, added a lot to the discussion last night.  Tony Capitelli is clearly a bright young guy with an equally bright future.  I liked most of his answers, but not all of them.  Unless something changes between now and when I mail my ballot, he won't get my vote.

STEADY AND READY
Katrina Foley and Jay Humphrey demonstrated that they've got what it takes to be elected to the council again.  Both have the experience, expertise, intelligence, compassion and patience to do a good job for the residents.

HE SHOWED US WHO HE IS...
Jim Righeimer demonstrated for the audience just why he should NOT be re-elected.  He's an arrogant, dictatorial, condescending bully.  He interrupted several speakers because they challenged what he said.  He decided to keep speaking when his time was up because he decided it was important.  That's his style.  The rules are for somebody else.  He told us he will "rest on his record".  Great, because it's a record of fiscal irresponsibility, chaos and divisiveness.  I look forward to the next forum - the Feet To The Fire Forum - on September 18th.  Maybe my neighbor, Old Lee Ramos will show up for that one.

HANG ON!
It's going to be a very painful campaign season.  Tighten your chin straps...